Ruth Haines
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a great place to spend a layover, with dozens of ways to keep yourself entertained. If you have a long layover, you might want to check out the city, but if you're short on time, there are plenty of things to do near the airport. Orlando Airport itself has many shops and restaurants to explore, as well as special lounges with free food and drinks. Within a 15 to 20-minute radius of the airport, there's even more to discover, including ICON Park, with its Orlando Eye, Sea Life Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and Museum of Illusions. For team-building or family fun, there's also The Escape Game, with seven escape room themes, and Universal CityWalk, which offers dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Things to do near Orlando Airport
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Lounges | Free food and drinks in the special lounges for first-class passengers or those with an Amex Platinum card |
| Airport Restaurants | Chain restaurants and dine-in restaurants |
| Airport Shops | Various shops in the new Terminal C |
| Universal CityWalk | Unforgettable family entertainment, dining, and shopping sprawled around a lagoon. Free to enter. Eateries include Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Panda Express, and Voodoo Doughnut |
| ICON Park | The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Sea Life Aquarium, the Illusion Museum, the 7D Dark Ride Adventure, the Pearl Express Train, the Orlando SlingShot, restaurants, bars, and shops |
| Ripley's Believe It or Not! | |
| Harry P. Leu Gardens |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore the airport's new Terminal C, with its high-tech features, shops and restaurants
- Visit ICON Park, including the Orlando Eye and other rides
- Check out Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, with its celebrity waxworks
- Try an escape room at The Escape Game, with seven themes to choose from
- Relax at Universal CityWalk, with its dining, shopping and entertainment
Explore the airport's new Terminal C, with its high-tech features, shops and restaurants
Orlando International Airport's Terminal C is a sight to behold, boasting an impressive array of high-tech features, shops, and restaurants. Designed with functionality in mind, the terminal utilises cutting-edge technology to enhance the travel experience.
One of the most notable features of Terminal C is its high-speed, automated checkpoints, which include robotic bag storage and biometric boarding. The security screening lanes are equipped with an automated bin return system, and an RFID Tote Baggage Handling System ensures efficient tracking of checked bags. Facial recognition technology further streamlines the boarding process, providing a faster and more secure experience.
The terminal also incorporates behind-the-scenes technology, such as "virtual ramp control," which employs cameras and sensors to monitor gate availability, reducing delays for departing passengers. The design of Terminal C considered the specific needs of travellers, whether business or leisure, with convenient spaces for shopping and dining.
Speaking of shopping and dining, Terminal C delivers an exceptional experience. For those who love theme parks, the big three – Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Walt Disney World – have their own shops, offering the latest merchandise without the need to visit the parks. The Universal Orlando Shop even features a dedicated floor for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, complete with magical details and photo opportunities.
When it comes to dining, Terminal C offers a variety of options to satisfy all tastes. With 23 food and beverage choices, travellers can enjoy local favourites and national brands. Whether you're craving a taste of Orlando or seeking a familiar bite, Terminal C has something for everyone. So, whether you're passing through or exploring the terminal with the Experience MCO Visitor Pass, Terminal C is a destination unto itself, offering a glimpse of the future of airport design.
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Visit ICON Park, including the Orlando Eye and other rides
If you're looking for a fun-filled day out in Orlando, ICON Park is the place to be. Home to the famous Orlando Eye, this entertainment hub offers a range of thrilling rides, unique experiences, and dining options for all tastes.
The Orlando Eye is undoubtedly the star attraction at ICON Park. This 400-foot-tall observation wheel provides breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. Each 20-minute ride in a comfortable capsule offers a unique perspective on Orlando's skyline and local attractions. Don't forget to capture the moment with the included Digital Photo Pass!
ICON Park offers a diverse range of rides and attractions to excite all ages. For those seeking thrills, there are amusement park rides, such as the 7D ride, and the iconic Orlando Eye itself. The park also houses the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, where you can rub shoulders with A-list celebrities, sports legends, and famous characters. Sea Life Aquarium is another highlight, where you can explore the wonders of the aquatic world and meet Chely, their rescued green sea turtle.
For those who enjoy a mix of dining and entertainment, ICON Park delivers in spades. With over 50 restaurants, bars, and eateries, you're spoilt for choice. Café Tu Tu Tango is a highly recommended dining experience, offering a unique blend of delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere. The park also features live entertainment and unique experiences, such as strolling through the park while sipping cocktails.
Conveniently located just minutes from major highways, ICON Park is easily accessible. Whether you're a local looking for a new perspective on the city or a visitor seeking unforgettable experiences, ICON Park, with its array of rides, attractions, and culinary delights, promises an unforgettable day out for individuals, friends, and families alike.
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Check out Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, with its celebrity waxworks
If you're looking for things to do near Orlando Airport, you might want to consider checking out Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Located in ICON Park, the museum is just a 16-minute drive (13.7 miles) from the airport. Madame Tussauds is a world-renowned wax museum with a rich history spanning over 200 years. It is known for its incredibly lifelike wax figures of famous celebrities, historical figures, film and television characters, and sports icons.
At Madame Tussauds Orlando, you can strike a pose with Taylor Swift, kick a ball with Neymar, or join Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman in saving the world. The museum also offers interactive experiences, such as creating your own wax hand to take home. You can even purchase tickets that include admission to nearby attractions like the Sea Life Aquarium and The Orlando Eye, providing a bundled experience for a more comprehensive exploration of the area.
Madame Tussauds Orlando provides a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with celebrities and icons from various fields. You can step onto a movie set with Dwayne Johnson, join Rihanna on a halftime show stage, or mingle with Ryan Reynolds and Awkwafina at an exclusive A-list party. The museum truly brings fantasy and fame together, creating unforgettable memories for visitors.
The wax museum is an ideal attraction for those with a longer layover or some extra time to explore. While the airport itself has plenty of shops and restaurants, Madame Tussauds offers a chance to delve into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, meet your favourite celebrities, and learn about the craftsmanship behind these intricate wax figures. With its proximity to the airport and its captivating offerings, Madame Tussauds is a great option for those seeking a unique and entertaining experience during their time in Orlando.
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Try an escape room at The Escape Game, with seven themes to choose from
Orlando Airport is a great place to spend a layover, with plenty of activities to keep you entertained. One such activity is The Escape Game, a highly-rated escape room experience located just 16.6 miles from the airport. With over 15,000 5-star reviews, The Escape Game offers seven unique and immersive escape room challenges for players of all skill levels.
Each room presents a different theme, with cleverly crafted puzzles and clues to uncover. Work together with your team to crack codes and progress through the game before the time runs out! The Escape Game is perfect for friends, families, or even team-building exercises, offering a fun and collaborative experience for everyone.
One of the seven themes available is the "Special Ops" room, which has received rave reviews for its cool setting and well-designed puzzles. Other themes include "Prison Break", "Gold Rush", and "The Heist", each offering a distinct atmosphere and set of challenges.
If you're looking for something a little different, The Escape Game also offers the "Great Big Game Show", a live, interactive game show experience. Packed with lights, buzzers, and fast-paced fun, it's perfect for those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition. So, if you're looking to kill some time before your flight, The Escape Game is a great option, offering an hour of thrilling and memorable entertainment.
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Relax at Universal CityWalk, with its dining, shopping and entertainment
Universal CityWalk is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some downtime if you're near Orlando Airport. Known as the "Epicentre of Awesome", it offers a vibrant mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment options that will keep you entertained for hours.
Let's start with the dining options at CityWalk, which are sure to satisfy any craving. If you're feeling hungry, you can choose from a variety of tasty eateries, including Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Panda Express, and Voodoo Doughnut. For a sweet treat, indulge in a decadent milkshake or a freshly baked cinnamon roll from Cinnabon. And if you're a coffee enthusiast, you'll be pleased to know that CityWalk has plenty of options to get your caffeine fix.
When it comes to shopping, Universal CityWalk delivers a unique experience. You'll find everything from tattoo parlours to kiosks offering jewellery, gifts, and souvenirs. Explore the various shops and browse through brand merchandise, or take a break and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Entertainment at Universal CityWalk is just as diverse and exciting. With authorised discount tickets, you can access theme parks, attractions, and unique problem-solving adventures that immerse you in your favourite films. The movie theatre itself is a standout experience, featuring stadium seating and luxury recliners, along with a full bar and all your favourite movie snacks.
Whether you're on a date, hanging out with friends, or enjoying family time, Universal CityWalk has something for everyone. Its combination of dining, shopping, and entertainment options makes it a bustling destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories. So, if you're looking to relax and have some fun near Orlando Airport, Universal CityWalk is the place to be!
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Frequently asked questions
If you're looking for things to do during a layover, ICON Park is a 16-minute drive from the airport and offers a range of attractions, including the Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Sea Life Aquarium, the Museum of Illusions, and the Pearl Express Train. Alternatively, you can visit Universal CityWalk, which offers free entry and a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. If you're looking for something more relaxed, you can explore the new Terminal C, which is supposed to be high-tech and offers a variety of shops and restaurants.
It is recommended to have at least 3-6 hours for a layover activity near the Orlando Airport, as you'll need to factor in time for security and travel to and from the airport.
Yes, there are several indoor attractions near the Orlando Airport, including the Sea Life Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and the Museum of Illusions, all located in ICON Park.
Yes, The Escape Game in Orlando is an 18-minute drive from the airport and offers seven escape room themes suitable for players of all skill levels.
